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Atletico Mineiro (Clube Atlético Mineiro)
Atletico play out of the city of Belo Horizonte in Minais Gerais and much to the dismay of huge rivals, Cruzeiro, are the biggest supported club in the state.
The team is referred to as Galo, which is a rooster, the rooster (probably through Portuguese heritage) is a popular symbol in Brazil, but Atletico claim it as their own – at least in the football arena.
The team was formed at the turn of the 20th Century by local middle class lads, and they have had mixed fortunes ever since – they peaked in the 1940s and 50s but due to various factors they were somewhat overshadowed by Cruzeiro in the 1960s – but fortunately resurged throughout the 70s culminating in their first and only Brazilian Championship title.
Since then they have achieved moderate success in winning 39 State Championships (almost half were achieved in the first hald of the 20th Century), they have however, won the CONMEBOL Cup twice, and in 2006 , a Serie B title.
As most Brazilians clubs they have a multitude of different fan , or supporter groups, currently they have around 20 or so individual gangs, some of whom are accused of various misdemeanors and causing trouble on match days, whilst others take a more passive , albeit passionate supporter role.
Like some other Brazilian clubs, they have a partnership with United States, Major League club, Atletico’s partners are ; D.C. United. And most interstingly they have also cemented a good relationship with Australian A-League outfit, Queensland Roar.
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